Sunday 1 November 2026Compiled from published reports. Every claim links to its source.

Ireland Crime

Every case followed from the first report to the sentence, or to where the reporting stopped.

Case No. 3314Theft · Co. Laois

Legal aid reinstated for woman charged with theft in Portarlington

A 32-year-old woman was charged with the theft of a supersonic hairdryer valued at €200 from Fletcher's Hardware, Main Street, Portarlington, allegedly committed on 2 January 2025. She first appeared before Portlaoise District Court on 3 November 2025, where free legal aid was approved. Her legal aid was subsequently revoked after the court heard she had travelled abroad for a cosmetic procedure described as a 'butt lift'. In October 2026, she returned to court and the judge reinstated her legal aid.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In court27 Oct
  5. Verdict
  6. Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
A supersonic hairdryer valued at €200 was stolen.
Where
The theft allegedly took place at Fletcher's Hardware, Main Street, Portarlington, Laois.
When
The theft is alleged to have been committed on 2 January 2025.
Charges
A 32-year-old woman was charged with the theft.
In court
  • She appeared before Portlaoise District Court on 3 November 2025.
  • Her free legal aid was revoked after the court heard she had travelled abroad for a cosmetic procedure described as a 'butt lift'.
  • In October 2026, the judge reinstated her legal aid.
Other details
Solicitor Aonghus McCarthy was approved for free legal aid at the first hearing.
4 statements extracted from the articles
  • chargeShe was charged over theft of a hairdryer from Portarlington (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • courtA 32-year-old woman appeared before Portlaoise District Court (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • courtThe judge reinstated her legal aid (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • otherShe had travelled abroad for a cosmetic procedure described as a 'butt lift' (leinsterexpress.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 27 Oct2026
    In courtleinsterexpress.ie, first report
    Judge reinstates legal aid to Laois woman who travelled abroad for 'butt lift'

    Reports the court appearance at which the judge reinstated the accused's legal aid.

    accused, 32, female